Airline transport pilot certification training program

This regulation allows Part 135 operators (commuter and on-demand air carriers) to establish FAA-approved training programs that satisfy the Airline Transport Pilot Certification Training Program (ATP-CTP) requirements found in § 61.156. This program must be separate from the operator's regular pilot training.

Instructors in these ATP-CTP programs must hold an ATP certificate with airplane multiengine rating and have at least two years of experience as pilot-in-command in Part 135, Part 121, or certain Part 91 operations. Unless they already hold a flight instructor certificate, they need initial training on teaching fundamentals, instructional methods, and evaluation techniques.

Instructors using flight simulators must hold a type rating for that aircraft and receive annual training on simulator operation, limitations, and the maneuvers they'll demonstrate.

The operator cannot graduate students who haven't completed all curriculum requirements and must conduct evaluations to ensure the FAA finds their training methods acceptable.

*This is a plain-English summary for study only. The official 14 CFR text on this page is controlling — always read the current regulation and consult a CFI.*